by Lacey London
‘Don’t you think I have had this exact conversation with my own friends and family? Every time somebody looks at me the way you are doing right now, I question myself. I mean, what the hell am I doing here? Am I crazy? Have I totally lost touch with reality?’ Laughing gently, he shakes his head and looks out to sea. ‘Of all of the beautiful women I see every day, I had to go and fall in love with a British chick. But you know what? There isn’t a single part of me that believes Lianna isn’t the best thing that has ever happened to me.’ His brown eyes sparkle as a huge smile spreads across his face. ‘I knew the moment that I laid eyes on her that she was the woman I would marry. I just never dreamed that she would feel the same way that I did.’
Pursing my lips, I suddenly feel a little sorry for him. He’s just a guy who met a girl and fell in love. Since when was that a crime? Let’s face it, when you find that real, inconvenient, all consuming, once in a lifetime kind of love, you don’t care about timings and logistics.
‘I know that what we are doing isn’t strictly conventional and I can’t promise you that I know what happens next, because I don’t. But I can promise you that I will make it my mission in life to make Li happy. Whatever it takes and wherever it takes me…’ A lump forms in the back of my throat as he squeezes my arm encouragingly. ‘I understand that nothing I say will stop you from worrying completely, but it means a lot to both of us that we have your blessing.’
Not wanting to speak in case I burst into tears, I resort to a swift nod of the head as I attempt to regain the use of my tongue. I am about to throw my arms around his neck when a clatter of commotion causes him to jump to his feet. Spinning around, I see a crowd of people padding across the sand towards us. Waving their arms around merrily, I have no doubt in my mind that these are Vernon’s family. As Vernon excuses himself and runs over to a plump elderly lady, I discreetly slip away and make my way back to Oliver and the gang.
MJ is the first to spot me and dives between the palm trees before throwing himself into my arms. Tipping him upside down, I tickle his stomach as I collapse into a chair.
‘Did you give him the talk?’ Marc asks, taking MJ and sitting him in a hammock.
Shooting him a puzzled look, I feel Lianna’s eyes burning into the back of my head.
‘You know!’ Marc presses, his eyes glinting mischievously. ‘The – hurt my best friend and I will hunt you down and kill you talk?’
‘You didn’t? Lianna gasps, slapping my arm. ‘Clara!’
Holding my hands up in defence, I shake my head. ‘I didn’t have to. He beat me to it.’
Lianna squints her eyes suspiciously and crosses her arms, clearly very annoyed.
‘Honestly.’ I attempt a smile, but she doesn’t return it. ‘He’s a good guy, Li. You’re lucky to have him.’
The rest of the group nods in agreement as Eve smiles smugly. ‘I’m not going to say I told you so, but I told you so!’
Rolling my eyes, I twist my hair up and secure it beneath my cap. Laughter travels up the beach as Lianna lets out a whimper.
‘Oh, God! Is this his family?’ Her pupils dilate as she takes in the group of people walking towards us.
The rest of the group strain their necks for a better look. They seem a happy bunch, that’s for sure. The palm trees rustle in the sea breeze, drowning out the majority of their conversation as they walk towards us. Feeling Lianna’s sweaty hand squeeze my shoulder, I shoot her a reassuring smile. Bless her. She looks genuinely terrified. Not having the time to give her a pep talk, I resort to a quick squeeze of the hand.
Popping his sunglasses onto his head, Vernon slings an arm around the shoulder of a tiny lady with a headful of beautiful curls.
‘Guys, this is my mom, Cora.’
A chorus of hello echoes around the group as we jump to our feet. Grabbing Noah from Oliver before he can throw a tantrum, I stand to the side and push Lianna forward.
Not saying a word, Li twirls a strand of sun bleached hair around her finger and smiles nervously. Obviously sensing how anxious she is, Vernon holds out his hand for hers. Not missing a beat, Cora’s eyes land on Lianna’s sapphire clad finger.
‘Hi, Mrs Clarke.’ Lianna mumbles, looking more frightened than ever.
Her voice is tiny as the rest of us hold our breath. Taking a tiny step forward, Cora’s face breaks into a huge smile as she throws her arms around Lianna and plants a big red kiss on her cheek. Locking eyes with Oliver, he flashes me a wink as the rest of us breathe a sigh of relief.
Taking Lianna’s face in her hands, Cora lets out an elated laugh and squeals. ‘Welcome to the family, my darling.’
* * *
Two hours later, it is safe to say that Lianna has been welcomed into the Clarke family with open arms. Cora Clarke, who I have to admit, is quite possibly the nicest person I have ever met in my entire life, seems even more in love with Lianna than Vernon himself. From invites to Florida to meet extended members of the family, to the offer of Cora’s earrings for her something old, Lianna couldn’t have asked for a more positive first meeting. And it’s not only Cora who has taken a shine to Li. Daniel, Vernon’s younger brother, has given her his seal of approval too. Not to mention Vernon’s golfing buddies, who just can’t seem to get enough of Lianna’s amazing British accent. Unfortunately, my own British accent doesn’t seem to have the same magic as Lianna’s.
Picking up a handful of sand and letting it fall between my fingers, I glance into Noah’s pram to check that he is still asleep. With the rest of the group chatting merrily, I have decided to take a back seat and observe the festivities. To be honest, I am completely wiped and watching Noah snooze is making me want to do the exact same thing.
The sun is now low in the sky, casting a cosy shadow across the beach and encasing us in a safe bubble. Tipping back my head, I flash Oliver a smile as Eve crashes down beside me.
‘I’m going for another.’ Waving her empty glass around happily, she hiccups and clasps a hand to her mouth. ‘Want one?’
‘No.’ I laugh and take the glass from her. ‘I don’t think you should be having another either.’
Frowning like a naughty toddler, she pokes her head into Noah’s pram and sighs. ‘I want one of those.’
‘What?’ I ask, giggling at her intoxicated state. ‘A nap?’
Shaking her head wildly, she hiccups again and laughs. ‘No! Not a nap, a baby.’
‘Well, right now I think you have got more chance of a nap.’ Ruffling her hair, I lock eyes with Owen and beckon him over.
‘I think someone needs to go home.’ Tilting my head towards Eve, I roll my eyes as Owen finishes his drink and pulls Eve to her feet.
‘No!’ Eve mumbles, attempting to take off her sandals. ‘The party is just getting started!’
‘Not for you it isn’t.’ He laughs and plants a kiss on her forehead. ‘I’ll call a car.’ Digging his phone out of his pocket, he jabs at the keys and does a quick head count. ‘Are you guys ready to head back too?’
Nodding in agreement, I reach for my flip flops and wave my arms around to get Oliver’s attention. Totally engrossed in conversation with Daniel, he doesn’t seem to notice the crazy octopus lady behind him. Leaving Noah with Owen, I squeeze through the hammocks and slip my arm around Oliver’s waist.
‘Eve has had a little too much to drink, so we are going to head back to the villa. Do you want to stay here for a while or are you ready to come back with us?’
‘You guys aren’t going already, are you?’ Daniel yells, throwing an arm around my neck. ‘We’re meant to be celebrating!’
Looking down at his near empty bottle of beer, Oliver screws up his nose, obviously torn.
‘I don’t mind.’ I offer him a smile and look over my shoulder at Eve. ‘Honestly, you stay and enjoy yourself.’
‘What a woman!’ Laughing loudly, Daniel shouts to Vernon to get more beer.
‘Actually, I think I am gonna go back. Save myself for tomorrow.’
‘What’s happenin
g tomorrow?’ I ask, accepting a kiss goodbye from Daniel.
‘You’re joking, right?’ Daniel’s eyes widen and I can’t help but laugh. ‘It’s the bachelor party!’
‘Oh…’ I nod as I remember the all-important event. ‘In that case, you’re definitely coming back now. Let’s go.’
Leaving Oliver to say his goodbyes, I round up Marc and Gina before dragging Lianna away from her adoring public.
‘Aren’t they incredible?’ She gushes, bobbing her head as music drifts out of The Hangout. ‘I couldn’t have wished for better, I really, really couldn’t.’ A smile spreads across my face as she beams from ear to ear. ‘I’m so happy, Clara.’
Pulling her in for a hug, I plant a kiss on her cheek and squeeze her tightly. ‘I know you are and I’m truly happy for you.’ Tearing myself away, I point over to where Eve is swaying. ‘We have got to get Eve to bed, so we’re going to go now, but you have a fabulous evening and I shall see you tomorrow. What time are you coming over?’
‘I think Vernon has arranged to collect the guys at seven…’ She screws her nose up uncertainly and bites her finger. ‘Or was it eight… I can’t remember which.’
‘Eight? Isn’t that a little late for fishing?’
‘Yeah… I think the whole fishing thing went out of the window when Daniel arrived.’
Glancing over at Vernon who is goofing around with his golfing buddies, I dread to think what they have instore for him. Not wanting to think about it, I shake my head and laugh.
‘Either way, I will see you tomorrow.’ Blowing her a kiss, I slide my sunglasses up into my hair and smile. ‘Text me.’
Owen catches my eye and points to Noah who is now screaming in his pram. Quickly saying my goodbyes to Cora and Vernon, I wrench Oliver away from Daniel as the Strokers start to make their way along the beach to the waiting car.
Handing Noah to Oliver, I collapse the pram and follow the sound of Eve’s drunken ramblings. Madison throws her sandals into the sand and refuses to walk, resulting in Marc throwing her over his shoulder like a fireman. Looking back at Lianna laughing heartily with Vernon and his family, a lump forms in the back of my throat. My mother once told me that happiness does not depend on what you have; it relies solely on how you think. Seeing Li so overjoyed at the prospect of a last minute wedding without a care in the world as to what she wears, where she does it or who is there to witness it, I can’t help but think that no truer words were ever spoken…
It’s never too late to live happily ever after…
Chapter 16
Snapping photographs of Noah as he splashes around in the pool with Oliver, I feel my heart pang with love. Today has probably been my favourite day since we arrived on the island over a week ago. The weather has been kind enough to cool down a few degrees and we even had a spot of rain earlier. Now, you might find it strange that a British person who flees the UK every six months in a desperate bid for some vitamin D would be happy about having grey skies whilst on holiday. However, after seven days of intense Caribbean heat, the feeling of cool raindrops splashing down onto my skin was greatly appreciated.
Tossing my camera into the beach bag, I slide into the water. It is almost criminal that we haven’t used this incredible pool until now. With breath taking views of the azure blue ocean ahead, Eve’s stunning infinity pool is almost as beautiful as the ocean itself. The intricate mosaic tiles glisten beneath the water as the sun peeks through the clouds. Swimming over to Oliver, I pull Noah in his baby floater and laugh as he squeals when the water splashes his face. With Vernon not due to arrive for the stag do until later, we decided to make the most of the day and abuse Eve’s frankly fabulous facilities.
‘I can’t wait to see Lianna’s dress!’ Spinning around to face Oliver, I slip my shoulders beneath the surface of the water. ‘They should be back any minute now.’
‘I thought you had already seen it?’ He mumbles, shaking water out of his eyes.
‘I have, but not since Delores has altered it.’ Holding Noah’s hands as he kicks his legs frantically, I stick my tongue out at him as he squeals. ‘She looked incredible, Oliver. Vernon will be blown away.’
‘They’re back!’ Madison yells, poking her head out of the patio doors.
Suppressing a scream, I am about to make for the steps when Lianna and Eve run out onto the veranda.
‘How did it go?’ I ask, shielding my eyes from the sun. ‘In fact, don’t tell me. Let me get dry and you can show me!’
‘You’re wasting your breath.’ Eve sighs, rolling up her dress and dipping her feet into the water.
‘What’s going on?’ Shooting her a quizzical look, I rest my elbows on the edge of the pool.
Lianna opens her mouth to speak, but Eve beats her to it.
‘She won’t try the damn thing on! Delores also gave her a veil as a gift and she won’t try that on either.’
‘What?’ Turning to face Lianna, I adjust my swimming costume and pad out of the water. ‘Why?’
‘Because I don’t want to decide that I don’t like it, that’s why.’ Turning on her heels, she throws the dress bag over her shoulder and disappears inside.
‘But, but what if it doesn’t fit?’ Grabbing a towel from the sun lounger, I wrap it around myself and chase after her. ‘You have to try it on!’
‘Nope. I’m not putting it on until the day.’ Obviously not wanting to back down, she carefully places the bag into her rental car and swaps it for a rucksack before beeping the key fob.
I look at Gina for help, but she simply shrugs her shoulders indicating that she doesn’t want to get involved. Taking a bikini out of the rucksack, she shakes off her Birkenstock sandals and disappears into the bathroom to change.
Leaning against the door, I pat myself down and throw the towel onto the dining room table. ‘Li, if you don’t try it on and it doesn’t fit on the day, what are you going to do?’
‘It will fit.’ She fires back confidently. ‘If I remember correctly, you never tried your wedding dress on before the big day.’
‘That was because I didn’t choose my dress, you know that.’
Bugger. I should have known that she would use that against me. For those of you who don’t know, Oliver secretly planned our wedding from start to finish. I actually didn’t even know that I was getting married at all until an hour before the event itself. Not conventional, I know, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Throwing open the bathroom door, she flashes me a smile and scrunches up her dress. ‘It will be fine. Now come on, let’s get in the pool.’
Holding my hands up to surrender, I grab Madison as she makes a beeline for the doors. ‘Not so fast, lady.’ Handing her over to Gina to be smothered in SPF, I steal a crisp from Marc before padding back outside into the sunshine.
Jumping back into the water, I pull Noah into the shade as the pool starts to fill up with people. First Lianna, then Eve, before you can blink everyone but Owen is splashing around in the water.
‘So, are you boys looking forward to the stag do tonight?’ Eve asks, letting MJ climb onto her shoulders.
‘Yes, ma’am.’ Oliver laughs, looking at Marc and winking.
‘I saw that.’ Wagging her finger at Oliver, Gina splashes water on Marc and slips Melrose into a baby floater. ‘Don’t forget, after you’ve had your fun tonight, it’s our turn tomorrow! Isn’t that right, ladies?’
Lianna and Eve let out whoops as Oliver shakes his head. ‘Don’t you think it’s a little dangerous to have a bachelorette party the night before a wedding?’
‘We could always swap the days around? Li offers, winking at Gina. ‘We could take on whatever you have planned for tonight and you can have our relaxing spa day…’
‘I think we’re good.’ Raising his eyebrows, Oliver lets Madison dunk him under the water playfully.
‘You’re very calm.’ Marc observes, paddling over to Lianna. ‘You do know that you’re getting married in forty-eight hours, don’t you?’
‘
Really? I did not know that.’ Rolling her eyes, she holds up her giant rock and waggles it in his face.
Splashing her with water, he attempts to get away before she can get her revenge. Not letting him get away with wetting her hair, she dives under the water and attempts to pull him under. As the entire pool turns into a free for all, I take Noah and scramble to the safety of the sun loungers, laughing as Gina lets out a squeal and follows suit. Watching them laugh and shout as they goof around in the sunshine, I plant a kiss on Noah’s head and smile. It’s moments like this that prove laughter is timeless, imagination has no age and dreams last forever…
* * *
‘How do you think the boys are getting on?’ Clinking my glass against Lianna’s, I shove a handful of pretzels into my mouth.
When Vernon rolled up in a ridiculous black limousine earlier, Marc, Owen and Oliver looked like all their Christmases had come at once. The packed out limo was filled to the brim with Champagne, beer and more rum than I ever thought possible. Even James managed to bag an invite to the exclusive party. With promises to be on their best behaviour we waved them off into the sunset.
‘I think at least one of them has thrown up.’ Gina laughs and reaches for the pretzels. ‘Probably Marc.’
‘Eww!’ Eve screws her nose up and turns the music up a little.
With the children safely snoozing in the bedrooms, we decided to take it easy tonight and spend the night eating takeout pizza. In hindsight, pizza probably wasn’t the best idea given that Lianna is getting married in a couple of days. Looking at her now with a swollen stomach and barbecue sauce on her chin, I suppress a giggle and collapse into a heap beside her.
‘You look a mess.’ I laugh and hand her a napkin. ‘It’s a good job that Vernon can’t see you right now. He might change his mind.’
Slapping my arm, she tries and fails to remove the offending sauce from her chin. ‘I think you will find that Vernon loves me for the person that I am on the inside. He doesn’t care about what I look like on the outside.’